Opening your pool: Steps to start your year off right

Opening a Pool

Opening your pool for the season is an exciting time, signaling the start of sunny days and refreshing swims. However, to ensure your pool is safe, clean, and ready for use, it’s essential to follow a thorough and systematic process. These detailed instructions will guide you through each step of opening your pool, from removing the winter cover to balancing the water chemistry. Whether you’re a seasoned pool owner or a first-time opener, these guidelines will help you achieve a smooth and successful pool opening, allowing you to enjoy a crystal-clear pool all season long.

Part A: Remove the Pool Cover

Start with the pool cover. It likely needs some attention before removal.

Instructions

Step 1: Clear Debris and Water From the Cover Brush off any debris and remove standing water using a small electric pool cover pump connected to a garden hose.

Step 2: Release the Cover Straps In-ground pool covers have straps that hook to anchors. Rubber straps can be removed by hand. For spring-loaded straps, use a special removal rod. Insert the rod through the ring over the anchor, twist, and release the strap. Leave a few straps at the end of the pool to prevent the cover from falling in. Screw the anchors back into the concrete.

Step 3: Pull the Cover Back Remove the cover, folding it like an accordion for easier handling. Lay it out to dry, moving it periodically to avoid burning the grass. Once dry, fold and store the cover.

Part B: Reassemble the Filter System

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific filter type: sand, diatomaceous earth (DE), or cartridge.

Instructions

Step 1: Reconnect the Filtration System Reconnect all lines, hoses, and plugs. Professionals often store plugs in the pump’s strainer basket. Install the sight glass and pressure gauge, applying plumbing lubricant to all gaskets. Use pipe sealant or plumber’s tape on threads as needed.

Step 2: Remove the Freeze Plugs Remove any freeze plugs on the returns and install the jets. Remove freeze plugs or ice guards in the skimmers and insert the skimmer baskets.

Step 3: Add Water as Needed Fill the pool until the water level is at the middle of the skimmer opening.

Part C: Clean the Pool Water

If your cover was effective, cleaning the water should be simpler.

Instructions

Step 1: Clean Debris From the Water Use a skimmer net to remove floating debris.

Step 2: Prepare to Vacuum the Pool Remove heavy debris from the pool bottom using a manual or automatic vacuum. For manual vacuums, follow the steps below.

Step 3: Prime the Pump Ensure all intake and return valves are open. Remove the pump lid and fill the pump with water to prime it.

Step 4: Set the Pump to Recirculate the Pool Water Set the multiport valve to RECIRCULATE, bypassing the filter. Turn on the pump and ensure a steady water flow. If needed, fill the lines with a hose.

Caution: Always turn off the pump before changing valve settings.

Step 5: Clear Air From the Vacuum and Hose Submerge the vacuum head and hose in the pool, holding the open hose end over a return jet to expel air. When bubbles stop, have someone turn off the pump while keeping the hose end underwater.

Step 6: Set the Filter to Remove Wastewater Insert an adapter into the skimmer intake, connect the hose, and set the filter to WASTE. Turn on the filter to direct dirty water to the drain. Add water to the pool simultaneously.

Step 7: Vacuum the Pool Slowly guide the vacuum along the pool bottom. After finishing, turn off the filter, disconnect the hose, and set the system to RECIRCULATE. Install the ladder and accessories once the water is clean.

Pro Tip: Spray fasteners with lubricant to ease removal in the fall.

Part D: Check and Adjust the Water Chemistry

Keep the pump running when adding chemicals.

Instructions

Step 1: Set the Filter Back to Recirculate Ensure the multiport valve is set to RECIRCULATE to mix the water and distribute chemicals.

Step 2: Recirculate the Water Run the pump for about 24 hours.

Step 3: Test the Water Test the water chemistry using a test kit. Compare the test strip results to the guide on the package.

Tip: Some kits work with mobile apps for additional recommendations.

Step 4: Check pH Levels and Alkalinity Check the pH levels (7.2-7.6) and total alkalinity (80-150 ppm). Adjust with pH increaser or decreaser as needed. Add an alkalinity increaser if levels are low; if high, use a pH decreaser.

Caution: Wear safety goggles and chemical-resistant gloves. Follow all product instructions for use, safety, and storage.

Step 5: Adjust the Sanitizer Level as Needed Check and adjust sanitizer levels (chlorine, salt, or bromine) to 1-4 ppm.

Step 6: Add Pool Shock Add shock to remove contaminants.

Step 7: Add Algaecide Add algaecide and let the pump run for 24 hours.

Part E: Run the Water Through the Filter

For DE filters, add fresh DE to the skimmer to recoat the grids.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare to Filter the Pool Water When water starts to clear, turn off the pump, set the multiport valve to FILTER, and open the pressure relief valve.

Step 2: Start the Pump Turn on the pump. When a steady stream of water flows from the relief valve, close it. Note the PSI reading on the pressure gauge.

Step 3: Filter the Water Run the pump for 24 hours initially, then 8-12 hours daily during the swim season.